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Objective. To investigate the expression patterns and prognostic values of STEAP family members in the occurrence and development of breast cancer. Materials and Methods. The Human Protein Atlas was used to analyze the expression level of STEAPs in human normal tissues and malignant tumors. ONCOMINE datasets were analyzed for the comparison of the STEAPs levels between malignant cancers and corresponding normal tissues. Kaplan-Meier plotter was used to analyze the prognostic value of STEAPs in breast cancer patients. Results. STEAPs were widely distributed in human normal tissues with diverse levels. Normally, it is predicted that STEAP1 and STEAP2 were involved in the mineral absorption process, while STEAP3 participated in the TP53 signaling pathway and iron apoptosis. The results from ONCOMINE showed downregulation of STEAP1, STEAP2, and STEAP4 in breast cancers. Survival analysis revealed that breast cancer patients with high levels of STEAP1, STEAP2, and STEAP4 had a good prognosis, while those with low expression had high overall mortality. Conclusion. STEAP1, STEAP2, and STEAP4 are predicted to be the potential prognostic biomarkers for breast cancer patients, providing novel therapeutic strategies for them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) belong to a family of enzymes that is important in organisms; these enzymes promote hydrogen peroxide metabolism and protect cell membrane structure and function from oxidative damage. Based on the establishment and development of the theory of the pathological roles of free radicals, the role of GPxs has gradually attracted researchers' attention, and the involvement of GPxs in the occurrence and development of malignant tumors has been shown. On the other hand, the incidence of breast cancer in increasing, and breast cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related death in females worldwide; breast cancer is thought to be related to the increased production of reactive oxygen species, indicating the involvement of GPxs in these processes. Therefore, this article focused on the molecular mechanism and function of GPxs in the occurrence and development of breast cancer to understand their role in breast cancer and to provide a new theoretical basis for the treatment of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1, also termed TCF8 and δEF1) is a crucial member of the zinc finger-homeodomain transcription factor family, originally identified as a binding protein of the lens-specific δ1-crystalline enhancer and is a pivotal transcription factor in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. ZEB1 also plays a vital role in embryonic development and cancer progression, including breast cancer progression. Increasing evidence suggests that ZEB1 stimulates tumor cells with mesenchymal traits and promotes multidrug resistance, proliferation, and metastasis, indicating the importance of ZEB1-induced EMT in cancer development. ZEB1 expression is regulated by multiple signaling pathways and components, including TGF-β, β-catenin, miRNA and other factors. Here, we summarize the recent discoveries of the functions and mechanisms of ZEB1 to understand the role of ZEB1 in EMT regulation in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we investigated chemical structure of lycium barbarum polysaccharides and its modulatory effect on oxidative stress in high-fat mice. The polysaccharides mainly contained xylose and glucose. Little amount of rhamnose, mannose and galactose was observed. The lycium barbarum polysaccharides had IR bands at 800–1200cm−1, 1450–1800cm−1, 2500–3000cm−1, and 3200–3600cm−1, which were distinctive absorptions of polysaccharides. Rats are fed with high-fat diet for 2 months. Results showed that blood and liver antioxidant enzymes activities and GSH level in model mice significantly decreased, and MDA level significantly increased (P <0.01) compared to normal control mice. Administration of lycium barbarum polysaccharides significantly increased antioxidant enzymes activities and decreased MDA level in mice (P <0.01) compared to model group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the immune and antioxidant activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra polysaccharides (GGP) in rats fed high-fat diet. The experiment was performed on four groups of growing Kunming mice. The results of the experiment showed a statistically significant decrease in serum antioxidant enzyme activities in high-fat group. Administration of GGP dose-dependently significantly enhanced immune and antioxidant enzyme activities in the GGP-treated mice compared to the high-fat model mice. It is concluded that GGP treatment can enhance immune activities, and reduce oxidative stress in high-fat mice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Understanding cancer biology and the development of novel agents for cancer treatment has always been the goal of cancer researchers. However, the research and development of new drugs is hindered by its long development time, exorbitant cost, high regulatory hurdles, and staggering failure rates. Given the challenges involved drug development for cancer therapies, alternative strategies, in particular the repurposing of 'old' drugs that have been approved for other indications, are attractive. Itraconazole is an FDA-approved anti-fungal drug of the triazole class, and has been used clinically for more than 30 years. Recent drug repurposing screens revealed itraconazole exerts anti-cancer activity via inhibiting angiogenesis and multiple oncogenic signaling pathways. To explore the potential utilization of itraconazole in different types of malignancies, we retrieved the published literature relating to itraconazole in cancer and reviewed the mechanisms of itraconazole in preclinical and clinical cancer studies. Current research predicts the hedgehog signaling pathway as the main target by which itraconazole inhibits a variety of solid and hematological cancers. As clinical trial results become available, itraconazole could emerge as a new antitumor drug that can be used in combination with first-line antitumor drugs. [Display omitted] • Itraconazole is an FDA-approved anti-fungal drug used clinically for more than 30 years, with well-tolerated and high safety. • Drug repurposing screens revealed itraconazole has anti-cancer activity via inhibiting the hedgehog pathway. • Itraconazole exerts anti-tumor effects through various molecular mechanisms. • In clinical trials, itraconazole has demonstrated anti-cancer potential, which could emerge as a new antitumor drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]